The Philippines Department of Tourism (DoT) has welcomed the reinstatement of electronic visas (e-Visas) for Chinese nationals, starting in November 2025.
The DoT said the suspension of the e-Visa system in 2023 affected tourism performance, particularly from China, one of its main pre-pandemic markets. While the relaunch is expected to ease travel, a major increase in arrivals is not anticipated before the end of the year.
As of September 2025, the Philippines had received 203,923 Chinese visitors. The DoT said it continues to work with government and private partners to improve infrastructure and digital systems supporting tourism.
Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco commented: “The suspension of the e-Visa system in 2023 had a significant and measurable impact on our ability to meet tourism targets, particularly from one of our strongest pre-pandemic markets. This development is therefore both necessary and overdue.
“While we do not expect immediate surges in arrivals, this policy milestone provides a strong signal to the market that the Philippines is taking steps to improve accessibility.”
She added: “The Department of Tourism remains focused on ensuring that reforms translate into real results for our destinations, stakeholders, and tourism workers on the ground.”
